Arati’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to building a better future—not just for herself, but for her community. From her early days as a crafty, artsy child to becoming a prominent figure in the tech and startup world, Arati’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing one’s identity, overcoming challenges, and giving back. In this blog post, we’ll dive into her inspiring story, her work with Backbone Angels, her passion for mental health advocacy, and her latest venture, Glee.
Arati’s parents immigrated to Canada from India in the 1970s, and her upbringing was a blend of South Asian traditions and Canadian values. Her father, who arrived in Canada at just 16, worked tirelessly to build a life for his family, while her mother brought a touch of India to their home. Arati grew up in a household where creativity was encouraged, and she spent much of her childhood drawing, crafting, and exploring her artistic side.
Despite her love for art, Arati’s journey took an unexpected turn when she discovered her passion for politics and policy. She pursued a degree in political science, dreaming of a career in public service. However, her path shifted when she stumbled into the world of tech, a decision that would shape her future in ways she never imagined.
Arati’s foray into the tech world began when she joined Jet Cooper, a digital studio in Toronto. It was here that she met her future husband and co-founder, and together, they built a thriving business that was eventually acquired by Shopify. This marked the beginning of Arati’s deep involvement in the tech ecosystem, where she spent nearly eight years helping Shopify grow into a global powerhouse.
During her time at Shopify, Arati became acutely aware of the lack of diversity in the startup world. She noticed that while her male colleagues were frequently approached with investment opportunities, women—especially women of color—were often overlooked. This realization sparked a fire in her, leading her to co-found Backbone Angels, an investment collective focused on supporting women and minority founders.
Backbone Angels was born out of a desire to create a more inclusive startup ecosystem. Arati and her co-founders—nine women who had all played pivotal roles in Shopify’s growth—wanted to give back to their community by funding and mentoring underrepresented founders. Their mission was clear: to invest in women, people of color, and other minority entrepreneurs who were building innovative companies.
Since its inception, Backbone Angels has invested in over 60 companies, with more than 50% of their portfolio consisting of women-led startups. Arati’s approach to angel investing is deeply personal. She believes that by backing diverse founders, she can help create a future where success isn’t limited to a select few but is accessible to anyone with a great idea and the drive to execute it.
Arati’s journey took another transformative turn when she became a mother. The experience of motherhood not only deepened her understanding of herself but also inspired her to launch Glee, a skincare brand rooted in South Asian traditions. Glee was born out of a family collaboration, with Arati’s brother leading the charge to create a line of products centered around ghee, a staple in Indian households.
Glee’s mission is to bring the benefits of ghee to modern skincare, combining ancient wisdom with cutting-edge science. The brand has quickly gained a loyal following, thanks to its high-quality products and Arati’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. For Arati, Glee is more than just a business—it’s a way to celebrate her heritage and share it with the world.
Arati has been open about her struggles with mental health, including her diagnosis of ADHD at the age of 37. For her, the diagnosis was a turning point—a moment of clarity that helped her understand herself better and embrace her unique strengths. She has since become a vocal advocate for mental health, encouraging others to seek help and prioritize their well-being.
Through her work with Backbone Angels and Glee, Arati is committed to creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported. She believes that mental health is just as important as physical health and that by fostering open conversations, we can break down the stigma that often surrounds these issues.
As Arati continues to build Glee and support underrepresented founders through Backbone Angels, her vision for the future is clear: to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Whether it’s through her work in tech, her advocacy for mental health, or her commitment to her family, Arati is a force to be reckoned with—a true inspiration for anyone looking to make a difference.
If you’re inspired by Arati’s journey and want to learn more about her work, follow her on social media and check out Glee and Backbone Angels. Together, we can build a future that’s more inclusive, more compassionate, and more empowering for everyone.
